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Written By: Editorial Team | Published : August 28, 2017 11:04 AM IST
According to statistics, mosquito borne diseases are prevalent in more than 100 countries. Mosquitoes infect about 300 to 500 million people and cause 1 million deaths every year around the world. There are about 40 million people suffering from mosquito borne diseases annually in India alone. In addition to this, there has also been an increase in the number of people affected by swine flu in the country. And what is alarming is the fact that swine flu and dengue have a larger bearing on people living with diabetes. It is important for people with existing complications to stay safe and take preventive measures to avoid becoming susceptible to mosquito borne illnesses or swine flu.
Why diabetics have to be careful
Dr Sanjay Kalra, Consultant Endocrinologist, Bharti Hospital Karnal and Vice President, South Asian Federation of Endocrine Societies, said, Our body s immune system is the first line of defence against any infection. When a virus, bacteria or a parasite attacks the body, the immune system springs into action to filter out these germs and stop them before they can cause harm to the body. In people with an underlying disorder such as diabetes, the immune system is suppressed and the organs are in an already compromised state. Mosquito borne illnesses and other diseases such as swine flu cause fever and increase the metabolic rate. This can lead to a fluctuation in blood sugar levels, provided people living with diabetes are monitored well, they stand the risk of developing serious complications. Read about diabetic emergency 4 signs and symptoms to watch out for.
Unlike people without any associated health complications, bleeding due to low platelet count (as seen in those suffering from dengue) does not stop in diabetics. And hence, it can further lead to hypotension (low blood pressure) and further put you at risk of multi-organ failure. This is the reason, it becomes imperative to check urine ketones in people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and see if the acid levels have increased in the body.
How can diabetics lower the risk of dengue and swine flu?
With dengue and swine flu on the rise in the country, it is imperative to regularly monitor anyone in the high-risk category. In some instances, the infection can affect the vision, cause brain inflammation, make the body go into septic shock, or lead to multi-organ failure. Take precautions particularly if you fall in the high-risk category and have conditions like diabetes.' Here are some precautions that those living with diabetes can take to avoid mosquito borne disease or swine flu.
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